Cutaneous leishmaniasis reactivation 2 years after treatment caused by systemic corticosteroids – first report

Abstract

American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL), an endemic anthropozoonosis in various countries in the world, is caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania. Despite reports on ATL reactivation as a result of immunosuppression, to the best of our knowledge, this paper describes the first case of ATL reactivation in its localized form (cutaneous leishmaniasis) associated with the administration of systemic corticosteroids. The possible action of corticosteroids on the host immune response to the parasite in patients with localized cutaneous leishmaniasis is discussed. This report demonstrates the possibility of ATL reactivation in patients using corticosteroids, an observation that should be considered in individuals treated with this medication.